Tsala Treetop Lodge
Set amidst the treetops of an age-old indigenous forest Tsala is a lavish celebration of the spirit of Africa.
Like
the monumental ruins of an ancient central African civilisation, Tsala’s
impressive stone-masonry entrance flanked by water features leads to a
magnificent foyer supported by Blackwood columns. The elaborate afro-baroque
décor’s earthy colours, rich textures and handcrafted fittings are inspired by
the diverse cultures of Africa, with the sophistication of the Western World.
The views are breathtaking, whether from the exotic dining room, intimate
glassed-in lounge, or large open decks high above the forest floor. Tsala is a magical
place, encircled by lush forests extending across rolling valleys, towards the
distant hills.
THE LEGEND OF TSALA
THE people of the north were hungry and
thirsty as the great deserts were dry and arid, and dust rose in clouds to hide
the sun as the animals migrated. Scribes wrote of the wonderful land of
forests, rivers and the sea with snow-white beaches, and magnificent purple
mountains; where the rains fell gently and the air was warm. The beautiful
people decided to move to the land of promise, those of great wisdom came, and
those skilled in woodwork, metalwork, stonework and pottery, weaving, hunting
and many other skills. They reached the coast of Paradise, and found it as the
scribes had predicted.
STONE was discovered and wood, and water in
abundance, they built their villages with the stone from the boulders at
Robberg above the sea, and with timber from the forests. Elephants were brought
from the plains and trained to move the great logs of the towering forest
giants. The women set to work weaving silk from the worms that fed on the
leaves of the forest trees, gold was found in the stream beds and wrought into
beautiful adornments, iron was smelted and beaten into spears and all manner of
implements, clay was moulded into vessels. Vineyards were planted in the
fertile valleys and wines of excellence filled the cellars. The beautiful
people lived on the abundance of animals and fruit of the forest, and fish,
mussels and oysters from the sea. The great flightless birds of the plains
provided eggs and exotic feathers, honey was collected as it dripped golden
from the comb, and grain was ground to flour. All was at peace in the land of
EDEN.
WHAT happened to the Beautiful People is
lost in the mists of time.
EONS later, the ruins of an ancient sacred
village were discovered in the forest on the edge of a great valley. The
collective memory of the people was re-awakened, descendants of those skilled
and talented people began reworking the quarries at Robberg and masons dressed
the stone as they had in ancient days. Invader trees were felled to preserve
the verdant forests and to sculpt beams for buildings and furniture, the
potters’ kilns were fired again and the anvils rang to the sound of metal being
fashioned.
TSALA “the elevated resting place”, rose
majestic above the tree tops like the Phoenix rising from the ashes. Protected
and secure in the great tree trunks holding it safely high above the forest
floor, linked together by a web of elevated walkways.
PEOPLE come from far and wide to find this
place of peace and plenty hidden in the forest where the air is clear and the
sun shines brightly and the breeze blows softly. Once again the waters flow,
wine is brought up from the cellars, and nature’s abundance is harvested and
prepared. Joy and laughter is heard again in this place where the mountains and
the forests of the great Tsitsikamma come down to meet the sea.
Zinzi Restaurant
A relaxed and vibrant dining experience
Vibrant and casual with distinctive
international flavours, Zinzi Restaurant offers an abundant and tasty menu, in
an incredible forest setting.
The African inspiration, seen in the
architecture and use of natural building materials, comfortably complements the
global tribal décor of beautiful, intricate carvings and metalwork from India
and the fascinating patterns of the Suzani tribal textiles.
Subtle texture form the canvas on the walls
with understated contrasts brought in by the combination of the stone masonry,
raw scratch plaster, rough neutral Earthcote and waxed plaster that has the
feel of smooth old leather.
Handmade mud chandeliers preside in the
interior, with clay balls brought to life by the sparkle of crystal. There are
raw textured, natural fibre fabrics in combinations of wheat, stone, ebony and
slate colours, and hand printed Suzani fabrics, worn leather and soft
suede. Lizard print silver fabrics add a
touch of contemporary fun and luscious velvets a sense of opulence.
The furniture is all custom made and
slightly oversized, as comfort is key at Zinzi.
Sitting around a low table on ottomans and cushions sharing a meze
platter or on a wingback chair at an antique table with turned legs and a
pewter chandelier – absolute relaxation is guaranteed.
The tables provide for ample space, with
fabulous dishes beautifully displayed during each course. Uniquely designed
cutlery curiously hidden in a cloth bag and beautiful glassware add to the
imaginative dining experience.
Ideal for sun-downers at the bar, or for a
relaxed dining experience, Zinzi embraces the spirit of hearty cuisine and
zesty ingredients with a choice selection of a la carte menu items.
Outside reservations are most welcome,
please call us +27 (0) 44 532 8226 to reserve your table.
Lodge Contact
Tsala Treetop Lodge
T: +27 (0) 44 532 8228
F: +27 (0) 44 532 7587
P.O Box 454, Plettenberg Bay, 6600, South
Africa
Off the N2, 10km west of Plettenberg Bay
34ᵒ 03’ 07.44” S 23ᵒ 16’ 13.95” E (Ele
205m)
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